Chlamydia Research Paper
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are infections that are passed during sexual intercourse with a person of the same sex and or of the opposite sex (Crooks et al., 2011). For most with this infection they do not know that they may have them and unknowingly pass them on to their partners other factors could be risky sexual behavior such as having several sexual partners. The lack of proper resources or limited family planning clinics adds to the reason these disease continue to get passed from person to person (Crooks et.al.2011). Parents could your teen have a Sexually Transmitted Disease and not know it? Well in well in fact this could be true. The Center for Disease Control estimates that adolescents ages 15-24 account for over half of all new
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cases in the United States each year. While this may account for25% of the sexually active population it is still a concerning number. Research shows that Adolescents in this age group are at higher risk for acquiring STD’s because of lack of education, concerns with confidentiality, and lack of transportation ( Weinstock et al., 2000). This number could be lower with proper education and parental intervention. This paper will explore the various STD’s how they are transmitted and how to treat them. Through statistical data we will see which STD’s continue to be on the rise in the United States amongst Adolescents.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
This can be transmitted by vaginal, oral and anal sex. It may also infect a newborn of an infected mother.(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2010). Each year the rate at which adolescents become infected with chlamydia continues to increase making chlamydia one of the most common STD 'S in the United States
(M.G. Wilson "Sexually transmitted diseases".,2003). In 2009–2010, rates increased 2.8% for those aged 15–19 years of age Among African American adolescents the rate was eight times higher than European adolescents and 25% higher in females than in males (Weinstock et al., 2000) .Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that can cause irreversible damage, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease before a woman ever knows she may have a problem. If symptoms should begin they will normally begin within one to three weeks after becoming infected (SD Data et al. Gonorrhea and chlamydia in the United States among persons 14 to 39 years of age, 1999). Chlamydia is a treatable infection it is treated with antibiotics given orally with azithromycin given in one dose or doxycycline for 7 days. Both sexual partners must be treated to prevent re-infection. It is also recommended that re-testing be completed within three months to ensure that both partners are no longer infected (Centers for Disease …show more content…
Control and Prevention, 2012). Condoms are the best defense against this infection and abstinence is also a great way to protect yourself until you are in a monogamous relationship.
Another infection in close relation to or can have the same symptoms as chlamydia is Gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea is a bacterium that can grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). This bacteria can also harvest itself in the reproductive tract of women and in the urethra of both women and men it is transmitted through sexual contact though the vagina, anus, and mouth. This may also be passed to an infant born to an infected mother (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). In 2009-2010 the rate of Gonorrhea infection increased 1.4% amongst adolescents 15 – 19 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). The rate of infection was highest among African American females age 15-19 which was 20.5 times higher than European Americans (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). Between adolescent boys and adolescent girls adolescent boys 15-19 had the second highest rate of Gonorrhea infection. Gonorrhea is also a treatable infection and can be treated with antibiotics mostly given orally but due to the increasing cases of antibiotic resistant gonorrhea new treatment guidelines are rigorous in treating newly infected individuals.( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). The new treatment is given by a single intramuscular shot ceftriaxone 250 mg as plus azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose or doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days. It is important for both partners to be treated to prevent
re-infection. Gonorrhea has long term effects if it goes untreated it can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Chlamydia and Gonorrhea may be the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases among adolescents that are treatable. There are by far more complicated Diseases that are still curable but more complicated in treatment. “The Great Imitator” also known as Treponema pallidum but most commonly called Syphilis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Syphilis is transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore. These sores are commonly external around the vagina, penis and anus. There are two types of syphilis primary and secondary. Primary is characterized by a chancre sore and secondary by a rash. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). With primary the sores are firm round and are usually in the place where the infection entered the body it may take from 10 to 90 days for symptoms to appear (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). The primary symptom of secondary syphilis is characterized by a rash however other symptoms may be present such as hair loss, fatigue and weight loss etc… (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). The age group mostly affected by syphilis ranges from 20-29 with the highest infections being amongst males in the same age category (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). In 2010 the increase was among bisexual men involved in risky sexual behavior in the south and in urban areas. They were also infected with HIV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Syphilis is treatable and easy to treat within a year of exposure a single intramuscular shot of penicillin will cure the infection after a year more antibiotics will be necessary (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Then we have the STD’S that have no cure. Herpes is an STD that is transmitted through genital to genital contact or by a partner who may not know they have an infection it is more common to get herpes from a male who is having an outbreak than female contact (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). This infection is commonly seen in adolescents as young as 14, male rates are at 59.1% and females 49.4% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth risk behavior surveillance.,2003). The more common of the two infections is HSV-2 which is genital herpes. This causes sores and lesion around the genitals and near the rectum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). Several outbreaks may occur after initial diagnosis but begin to taper off often times being mistaken for an insect bite (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). There unfortunately is no cure for herpes there are medications that can suppress the symptoms and outbreaks. To prevent transmitting to uninfected individuals special care should be taken to abstain from sexual contact during outbreaks even with a condom the infection may still be transmitted but regular use may reduce the risk of transmission (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2012).
Finally the most serious and deadly infection is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This is caused by the immune system being damaged by HIV. When enough cells have been destroyed by HIV the body becomes incapable of fighting off bacteria and viruses easily (Prejean et al.,2006). This virus is transmitted from another infected individual through blood, sexual fluids, breast milk and shared needles (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2012). In 2010 there were 47,000 new cases were reported of those 33,000 had Aids (Prejean et al.,2006). For specific ethnicities African Americans continue to experience an increase in infection in 2009 alone infections in African Americans were up 44% compared to Hispanics and Latinos which accounted for 20% of all new infections (Prejean et al.,2006). African American gay men also have a high rate of infection in comparison to Hispanic/ Latino gay men (Prejean.,2006). In 2009 4,800 injected drug users died as a result of AIDS, 8,800 were African American and 2,900 were Hispanic / Latinos. There is no cure for Aids there are drugs to help manage the symptoms of HIV but once Aids is acquired special care must be taken to stay healthy and protect the immune system (Prejean et al.,2006). In conclusion Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a serious matter the rise of these infections continues to increase each year. Every infection is a gateway to HIV/AIDS which has deadly consequences. It is particularly sad to see that our youth have a higher rate of infection than older adults for some infections it is up to the parent and the school to keep adolescents aware of how to protect themselves and the consequences of getting any type of infection that may cause serious harm to themselves their body or another individual.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012 National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of STD Prevention.
Crooks, Robert & Baur, Karla, 2011, Our Sexuality, 11th ed. Wadsworth Cengage Learning
Di Clemente RJ, Salazar LF, Crosby RA. A review of STD/ HIV preventive interventions for adolescents: sustaining effects using an ecological approach. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2007;32 (8): 888-906.
Prejean J, Song R, Hernandez A, Ziebell R, Green T, et al. (2011) Estimated HIV Incidence in the United States, 2006-2009. PLoS ONE 6(8): e17502. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0017502.
SD Datta et al. Gonorrhea and chlamydia in the United States among persons 14 to 39 years of age, 1999 to 2002. Ann Intern Med. 2007:147:89-96
Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted disease among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004; 36: 6-10.
cases in the United States each year. While this may account for25% of the sexually active population it is still a concerning number. Research shows that Adolescents in this age group are at higher risk for acquiring STD’s because of lack of education, concerns with confidentiality, and lack of transportation ( Weinstock et al., 2000). This number could be lower with proper education and parental intervention. This paper will explore the various STD’s how they are transmitted and how to treat them. Through statistical data we will see which STD’s continue to be on the rise in the United States amongst Adolescents.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
This can be transmitted by vaginal, oral and anal sex. It may also infect a newborn of an infected mother.(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2010). Each year the rate at which adolescents become infected with chlamydia continues to increase making chlamydia one of the most common STD 'S in the United States
(M.G. Wilson "Sexually transmitted diseases".,2003). In 2009–2010, rates increased 2.8% for those aged 15–19 years of age Among African American adolescents the rate was eight times higher than European adolescents and 25% higher in females than in males (Weinstock et al., 2000) .Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that can cause irreversible damage, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease before a woman ever knows she may have a problem. If symptoms should begin they will normally begin within one to three weeks after becoming infected (SD Data et al. Gonorrhea and chlamydia in the United States among persons 14 to 39 years of age, 1999). Chlamydia is a treatable infection it is treated with antibiotics given orally with azithromycin given in one dose or doxycycline for 7 days. Both sexual partners must be treated to prevent re-infection. It is also recommended that re-testing be completed within three months to ensure that both partners are no longer infected (Centers for Disease …show more content…
Control and Prevention, 2012). Condoms are the best defense against this infection and abstinence is also a great way to protect yourself until you are in a monogamous relationship.
Another infection in close relation to or can have the same symptoms as chlamydia is Gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea is a bacterium that can grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). This bacteria can also harvest itself in the reproductive tract of women and in the urethra of both women and men it is transmitted through sexual contact though the vagina, anus, and mouth. This may also be passed to an infant born to an infected mother (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). In 2009-2010 the rate of Gonorrhea infection increased 1.4% amongst adolescents 15 – 19 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). The rate of infection was highest among African American females age 15-19 which was 20.5 times higher than European Americans (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). Between adolescent boys and adolescent girls adolescent boys 15-19 had the second highest rate of Gonorrhea infection. Gonorrhea is also a treatable infection and can be treated with antibiotics mostly given orally but due to the increasing cases of antibiotic resistant gonorrhea new treatment guidelines are rigorous in treating newly infected individuals.( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). The new treatment is given by a single intramuscular shot ceftriaxone 250 mg as plus azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose or doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days. It is important for both partners to be treated to prevent
re-infection. Gonorrhea has long term effects if it goes untreated it can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Chlamydia and Gonorrhea may be the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases among adolescents that are treatable. There are by far more complicated Diseases that are still curable but more complicated in treatment. “The Great Imitator” also known as Treponema pallidum but most commonly called Syphilis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Syphilis is transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore. These sores are commonly external around the vagina, penis and anus. There are two types of syphilis primary and secondary. Primary is characterized by a chancre sore and secondary by a rash. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). With primary the sores are firm round and are usually in the place where the infection entered the body it may take from 10 to 90 days for symptoms to appear (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). The primary symptom of secondary syphilis is characterized by a rash however other symptoms may be present such as hair loss, fatigue and weight loss etc… (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). The age group mostly affected by syphilis ranges from 20-29 with the highest infections being amongst males in the same age category (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). In 2010 the increase was among bisexual men involved in risky sexual behavior in the south and in urban areas. They were also infected with HIV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Syphilis is treatable and easy to treat within a year of exposure a single intramuscular shot of penicillin will cure the infection after a year more antibiotics will be necessary (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). Then we have the STD’S that have no cure. Herpes is an STD that is transmitted through genital to genital contact or by a partner who may not know they have an infection it is more common to get herpes from a male who is having an outbreak than female contact (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,2012). This infection is commonly seen in adolescents as young as 14, male rates are at 59.1% and females 49.4% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth risk behavior surveillance.,2003). The more common of the two infections is HSV-2 which is genital herpes. This causes sores and lesion around the genitals and near the rectum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). Several outbreaks may occur after initial diagnosis but begin to taper off often times being mistaken for an insect bite (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2012). There unfortunately is no cure for herpes there are medications that can suppress the symptoms and outbreaks. To prevent transmitting to uninfected individuals special care should be taken to abstain from sexual contact during outbreaks even with a condom the infection may still be transmitted but regular use may reduce the risk of transmission (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2012).
Finally the most serious and deadly infection is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This is caused by the immune system being damaged by HIV. When enough cells have been destroyed by HIV the body becomes incapable of fighting off bacteria and viruses easily (Prejean et al.,2006). This virus is transmitted from another infected individual through blood, sexual fluids, breast milk and shared needles (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2012). In 2010 there were 47,000 new cases were reported of those 33,000 had Aids (Prejean et al.,2006). For specific ethnicities African Americans continue to experience an increase in infection in 2009 alone infections in African Americans were up 44% compared to Hispanics and Latinos which accounted for 20% of all new infections (Prejean et al.,2006). African American gay men also have a high rate of infection in comparison to Hispanic/ Latino gay men (Prejean.,2006). In 2009 4,800 injected drug users died as a result of AIDS, 8,800 were African American and 2,900 were Hispanic / Latinos. There is no cure for Aids there are drugs to help manage the symptoms of HIV but once Aids is acquired special care must be taken to stay healthy and protect the immune system (Prejean et al.,2006). In conclusion Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a serious matter the rise of these infections continues to increase each year. Every infection is a gateway to HIV/AIDS which has deadly consequences. It is particularly sad to see that our youth have a higher rate of infection than older adults for some infections it is up to the parent and the school to keep adolescents aware of how to protect themselves and the consequences of getting any type of infection that may cause serious harm to themselves their body or another individual.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012 National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of STD Prevention.
Crooks, Robert & Baur, Karla, 2011, Our Sexuality, 11th ed. Wadsworth Cengage Learning
Di Clemente RJ, Salazar LF, Crosby RA. A review of STD/ HIV preventive interventions for adolescents: sustaining effects using an ecological approach. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2007;32 (8): 888-906.
Prejean J, Song R, Hernandez A, Ziebell R, Green T, et al. (2011) Estimated HIV Incidence in the United States, 2006-2009. PLoS ONE 6(8): e17502. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0017502.
SD Datta et al. Gonorrhea and chlamydia in the United States among persons 14 to 39 years of age, 1999 to 2002. Ann Intern Med. 2007:147:89-96
Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted disease among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004; 36: 6-10.